Opinion on water resistant or non-water resistant barefoot boots for all season hunting?

[dbarrett4053]

For the last 4 years I have been wearing Kenetrek Hardscrabbles as my year 'round boot. They are all leather and I have mainly worn an all leather boot for hiking all my life. Due to some foot and ankle injuries that I have attributed to week feet/ankles from hiking in stiff boots all the time, I have switched over to barefoot shoes as my daily shoes for a month now and have started recovering nicely from my injury that happened while hunting in october. I have noticed way more strength in my feet and ankles just over this short amount of time. I have always had a waterproof/water resistant leather boot and am used to them in both hot/warm and cold weather. I have thought about buying some synthetic material boots/shoes for hiking but am worried about durability and water resistance.

In barefoot shoes there are very few boots that are water resistant and have the grip I want. I'm in Utah so from sept-december (even august sometimes) there is the possibility of snow and that is where I really get concerned not having a waterproof boot.

I'm wondering if people here use a non waterproof synthetic boot/shoe in the spring/summer/fall and then a separate boot in the colder months of october-december? Or if they have a barefoot boot they recommend for year round use? I'm not worried about insulation as I have never worn an insulated boot even when I go ice fishing. I use socks and moisture regulation to handle my foot warmth.

I'm interested in the vivo tracker esc or the magna tracker esc but am also open to other ideas since I am now buying all new footwear.

 

[Big_wals]

I usually prefer a non water resistant boot and just use a good leather treatment, but if you’re looking for a waterproof option I bought a pair of these last fall and have been very happy with them.

Chamois

About Chamois Combines comfort, lightness and toughness. 6mm MountainGrip lugs provide superb grip for steep muddy trails Premium leather upper with a slight nubuck finish and full waterproof, breathable lining completes the highest level of protection.

usa.freetbarefoot.com

 

[dbarrett4053]

I usually prefer a non water resistant boot and just use a good leather treatment, but if you’re looking for a waterproof option I bought a pair of these last fall and have been very happy with them.

Chamois

About Chamois Combines comfort, lightness and toughness. 6mm MountainGrip lugs provide superb grip for steep muddy trails Premium leather upper with a slight nubuck finish and full waterproof, breathable lining completes the highest level of protection.

usa.freetbarefoot.com

Those boots look really interesting to me. How has durability been? What do you wear for july-sept scouting/hunting?

 

[Greenstig]

One of the reasons why Tracker ESCs are highly revered around here is because they aren’t waterproof.

Membrane “waterproofing” in outdoor footwear is a marketing sham. They all leak within hours or days of real, actual use. Even more so in barefoot shoes due to the added flexibility and minimalist design.

The real problem occurs during multi-day hunting trips. Shoes with a waterproof liner are less breathable and take significantly longer to dry compared to their unlined counterparts. The difference in real world breathability and comfort is profound.

If you are out in conditions wet enough to actually necessitate waterproofing, Seal Skinz socks are the way. Two pairs can be rotated and dried far quicker than any boot.

 

[Big_wals]

Those boots look really interesting to me. How has durability been? What do you wear for july-sept scouting/hunting?

Post in thread 'Freet Impala - Zero Drop Hunting Boot'
https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/freet-impala-zero-drop-hunting-boot.394761/post-4503633

Durability has been about on par with Vivos so far. I broke an eyelet on mine when I took a slide down some snowy rocks, they sent me a replacement pair of boots for free. I generally wear leather boots when I’m hunting. Vivo ESCs before, now I’ll use these Freets till they’re wore out. Summer time hiking and scouting I just grab Vivo or Altra trail runners.

 

[Big_wals]

The Freet sole has a spot in the tread for a gaiter strap to catch. That was a big selling point for me as you obviously can’t hook the strap in front of an elevated heel with zero drop boots. Wearing Vivos with gaiters I was always fighting the strap sliding off the back of the sole going downhill, if you don’t catch it soon enough suddenly your gaiter is riding up and there’s snow in the top of your boot. Still happens some with these, but not as often.

 

[North of 60]

Those look nice/functional and Thx for showing them...i was wondering how wide the toe box is compared to Altra lone peaks? They look fairly wide and it is difficult to tell.

 

[Big_wals]

I’ve only had one pair of Altra trail runners and I’m not actually sure what model they are… but I would say the Freets are wider.

 

[Big_wals]

What do you wear for july-sept scouting/hunting?

https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/primus-trail-knit-fg-mens-aw22?colour=Ultimate+Grey

These are hands down my favorite shoe if I don’t need a boot. Even for work. Keep an eye out on Ebay, I’ve bought my last couple pairs on there for around $120.